Democracy Day: Ekhomu Calls for Urgent Security Overhaul in Nigeria

Security expert and industry leader Victoria Ekhomu has urged the Federal Government to embrace long-term security reforms capable of addressing the root causes of insecurity across Nigeria, warning that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence.

Ekhomu made the call in a Democracy Day reflection where she assessed the nation’s security situation and the efforts of the current administration in tackling terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, cybercrime, and other emerging threats confronting the country.

The security consultant, who serves as Managing Director of TRANSWORLD SECURITY, President of the School of Management and Security, and President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), said security remains the foundation upon which economic growth, investment, healthcare, education, and national unity are built.

According to her, Nigeria’s security challenges have evolved over the years from isolated criminal activities into a more dangerous and sophisticated network involving terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, pipeline vandalism, transnational organized crime, and cyber threats.

She noted that although the present administration inherited a fragile security architecture weakened by poor intelligence coordination, porous borders, unemployment, and overstretched security agencies, some progress has been recorded in the fight against insecurity.

Ekhomu identified the acquisition of military hardware and surveillance equipment, increased collaboration among security agencies, renewed offensives against insurgents, and improved intelligence-driven operations as some of the gains achieved by the government.

She also acknowledged improved engagement with international and regional security partners as well as growing awareness around cybersecurity and the protection of critical national infrastructure.

Despite these efforts, the security expert maintained that insecurity continues to affect millions of Nigerians daily.

She lamented the persistence of kidnappings for ransom along highways and within communities, the displacement of rural residents by armed bandits, and the inability of many farmers to safely access their farmlands in several parts of the country.

According to her, many businesses now spend huge resources on private security and risk management because of growing concerns over public safety.

Ekhomu stated that insecurity in Nigeria is fueled by multiple factors, including poverty, unemployment, corruption, weak governance structures, inadequate policing, poor border control, proliferation of illegal arms, slow judicial processes, and lack of trust between citizens and security agencies.

She stressed that insecurity thrives in societies where governance is weak and citizens feel abandoned by the state.

To address the crisis, she called on the government to move from reactive security measures to preventive and intelligence-driven strategies.

According to her, modern security operations require greater investment in intelligence gathering, technology-enabled surveillance, data analytics, predictive policing, and artificial intelligence-assisted threat monitoring.

She also urged security agencies to improve intelligence sharing and coordination rather than operating independently.

On policing, Ekhomu said Nigeria remains under-policed for its growing population and therefore requires more trained personnel, improved welfare for officers, decentralized policing structures, and stronger collaboration between public and private security operators.

She emphasized the importance of community policing, saying local leaders, traditional rulers, and residents must be actively involved in protecting their communities.

The security expert further advocated stronger border security through the use of drones, biometric systems, smart border technologies, and joint operations with neighboring countries to curb arms trafficking and illegal migration.

She also linked insecurity to rising youth unemployment and called on government to prioritize vocational training, entrepreneurship support, digital economy initiatives, and employment opportunities for young people.

Ekhomu additionally recommended the deployment of modern technologies such as CCTV surveillance systems, facial recognition tools, cyber intelligence platforms, and national criminal databases to strengthen security operations nationwide.

She concluded that Nigeria possesses the human and institutional capacity to become one of Africa’s safest and most prosperous nations if leaders demonstrate political will, transparency, accountability, and commitment to long-term reforms.

According to her, democracy must not only guarantee freedom but also ensure safety, peace, and stability for all citizens.